Tofino town
Food, boatsThe town on the harbour.
Town guide
Things to do in Tofino
Canada's surf town on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island: long Pacific beaches, temperate rainforest in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, winter storm watching, whales, bears and hot springs reached by boat.
15+ km
Long Beach
3–4
Days
Surf, rainforest and storms
Tofino is a small town at the end of the road on the west coast of Vancouver Island, surrounded by ocean, islands and ancient rainforest. It is Canada's surf capital, with waves all year, and the gateway to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, whose Long Beach stretches for more than 15 kilometres.
The area is in Clayoquot Sound, a UNESCO Biosphere Region and the traditional territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. The rainforest has giant cedars and hemlocks, some hundreds of years old. Boats and floatplanes take visitors whale watching, bear watching along the shore, and to Hot Springs Cove, natural hot pools reached by a boardwalk through the forest.
In winter, big Pacific storms roll in, and storm watching has become a reason to visit. Ucluelet, 40 minutes south, is quieter, with the Wild Pacific Trail. Give Tofino three or four days.
Where to base yourself
Tofino town for hostels, food and boats, the beaches south of town for surf, or Ucluelet for a quieter, cheaper base.
Beaches south of town
SurfChesterman Beach and Cox Bay.
Ucluelet
Quieter, cheaperA fishing town 40 minutes south.
Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Tofino
Take a surf lesson at Chesterman Beach or Cox Bay, with wetsuits all year, as the water is cold. Walk Long Beach and the rainforest trails of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, such as the Rainforest Trail and Schooner Cove.
Go whale watching for grey and humpback whales, especially from March to October, or bear watching along the shores of Clayoquot Sound. Take a boat or floatplane to Hot Springs Cove, and kayak to Meares Island to walk among giant cedars.
In Ucluelet, hike the Wild Pacific Trail along the cliffs. From November to February, watch storms crash onto the beaches.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
The beaches are free, including Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve needs a park pass, after which the trails are free.
The Wild Pacific Trail in Ucluelet is free, and so is storm watching.
Whale and bear tours, and the hot springs trip, are paid.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Tofino has a strong food scene for a small town, with fresh seafood, fish tacos from food trucks and excellent bakeries. Tacofino, a famous food truck chain, started here.
Prices are high, so hostel kitchens help.
The local brewery is popular after surfing. Menu prices do not include tax or tip: add sales tax at the till and 15 to 20 per cent tip in restaurants and bars.
Nightlife
Going out
Nightlife is relaxed: a brewery, a few pubs and bars, and evenings by the beach.
Surfers go to bed early.
In summer, the town is busier.
Getting around
Getting around
Tofino is about 4.5 hours' drive from Victoria, or about 3 hours from Nanaimo, which has ferries from Vancouver. Highway 4 is winding and can have delays. Small planes fly to Tofino from Vancouver.
In summer, a free shuttle runs between Tofino and the beaches, and bikes are a good way to get around.
A car is useful for Ucluelet and the national park.
Costs
What Tofino costs
Tofino is expensive, especially in summer, when accommodation books up months ahead. Dorm beds start at around €35 to €60 a night. Restaurant mains cost €16 to €28 before tax and tip.
Sales tax in BC is 12 per cent. Menu prices do not include tax or tip: add sales tax at the till and 15 to 20 per cent tip in restaurants and bars.
Surf lessons and boat trips are the main extras.
Safety
Safety and scams
Tofino is very safe, but the ocean is powerful. Surf with a lesson or at patrolled beaches, watch for rip currents, and stay well back during storms, as logs on the beach can be rolled by waves.
Black bears, wolves and cougars live in the area; keep food secure and never approach wildlife.
Tofino is in a tsunami zone; follow the evacuation signs if warned. In an emergency, call 911.
Worth the trip
Islands, hot springs and trails.
Ucluelet
The Wild Pacific Trail.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Whales, surf and storms.
March
Pacific Rim Whale Festival
Tofino and Ucluelet
Celebrating the grey whale migration.
November to February
Storm watching
Tofino
Big Pacific storms.
When to go
June to September is the busiest time, with the warmest weather. March to October is whale season. November to February brings big storms, quieter beaches and good winter surf.
Jan
Storm season
Feb
Storm season
Mar
Whale migration
Apr
Whales
May
Spring
Jun
Summer begins
Jul
Peak season
Aug
Peak season
Sep
Pleasant
Oct
Quieter
Nov
Storms begin
Dec
Storms
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs, rounded. Wet and mild most of the year.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Tofino prices.
Treat these as a guide, before tax and tip.
—
- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Tofino questions
The ones we get asked most.
Can you surf in Tofino all year?
Yes, with a thick wetsuit. Winter has the biggest waves.
How do I get to Tofino?
By car or bus from Victoria or Nanaimo, or by small plane from Vancouver.
When is the best time for whale watching?
March to October, with the grey whale migration in spring.
What is storm watching?
Watching big Pacific storms from the beach or a cosy window, from November to February.
Do I need a park pass?
Yes, for Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Is Tofino expensive?
Yes, especially in summer. Book early.
Tofino or Ucluelet?
Tofino has more surf and food. Ucluelet is quieter and cheaper.
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